The formal confession that generations of Lutherans used
at the beginning of worship came in
three parts: first, the pastor confessed the sins of the congregation, then
the congregation and the pastor confessed together, and then the pastor
gave the absolution before the worship service proper began.

Pastor: Almighty God,
our Maker and Redeemer, we poor sinners confess unto thee, that we are by
nature sinful and unclean, and that we have sinned against thee by thought,word,
and deed. Wherefore we flee for refuge to thine infinite mercy, seeking
and imploring thy grace, for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Pastor and congregation together: O most merciful God, who hast given thine only-begotten Son to
die for us, have mercy upon us, and for his sake grant us remission of all
our sins; and by thy Holy Spirit increase in us true knowledge of thee and
of thy will, and true obedience to thy Word, that by thy grace we may come
to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

The pastor faces the congregation and grants absolution
(forgiveness): Almighty God, our heavenly Father,
hath had mercy upon us, and hath given his only Son to die for us, and for
his sake forgiveth us all our sins. To them that believe on his Name, he
giveth power to become the sons of God, and bestoweth upon them his Holy
Spirit. He that believeth, and is baptized, shall be saved. Grant this,
O Lord, unto us all.